Child falls down from ski lift

An eight-year-old student has fallen eight metres from a ski lift in the ski region of Heuberg (Salzburg) on to the slope yesterday (Wed). He was able to hold on to the foot bar for one kilometre but then he lost his grip.

The boy went skiing together with a ski school group in Hirschegg/Riezlern (Kleinwalsertal). Around 13.20 he sat down in a four-seater chairlift with two further ski students and one female skier.

When sitting down, the boy did not properly get on the seat. He then slipped from the seat and could only hold on to the footrests of the security bar.

The female skier and his colleagues grabbed his jacket and were thus able to prevent an immediate fall. After roughly one kilometre the boy slipped further down. The others could not hold him either and the boy fell down around eight metres to the ski slope.

The boy had to be transported by the emergency helicopter "Gallus 1" to the hospital in Kempten (Germany). He suffered two broken legs and had to have an operation on the same day. His condition has improved today.

In the meantime investigations have been initiated. The question as to who should bear responsibility will be examined and also the conduct of the lift attendants will be strictly checked.

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